DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's lacrosse team began their 2022 campaign with a home opener against the Carthage College Firebirds. The Spartans start 2022 with an inaugural season in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference and were voted by coaches to finish the season first in the conference. The Spartans would fall behind early against the Firebirds and were unable to overcome a large first half deficit in the 4-10 loss. 

The Firebirds attacked quickly, scoring in the first 40 seconds of play to take a 1-0 lead. The Firebirds would then fired off two more goals to close the first period leading 3-0. The Firebirds would increase their lead to 6-0 before UD's Giovanni Silva would score the first goal of the game for the Spartans off a Ben Farraday assist. Kyle Hephner would add a goal with :46 seconds left before halftime. The Firebirds responded with a late goal to take a 8-2 halftime lead. The second half would be more competitive half for the Spartans as they matched the Firebirds with two goals each. Ben Farraday capped off an offensive second half by scoring both Spartan goals. 

Zach Schmitt led the Spartans with four shots on goal and seven total shots. Nikolas Wortman grabbed seven ground balls and won 9-17 face-offs. As a team, the Spartans would have 37 ground balls and 38 total shots with 23 shots on goal. Ryan Gartner was in goal for the Spartans and would collect nine saves in the loss. 

UP NEXT 
The Spartans will be seeking their first win when they travel to Aurora, Illinois to take on Aurora University next Saturday, February 26 at 1:00 p.m.